Porters Lake to Get New Affordable Housing Rentals

Nova Scotians living on low incomes will soon have increased access to affordable housing on the Eastern Shore, with an investment of $663,000 from the provincial and federal governments.

LMLT Investments Limited is currently building two three-unit rowhouses and one seven-unit rowhouse on Brightside Court in Porters Lake for a total of 13 one bedroom, plus den, affordable housing units. The development will also include four affordable housing rent supplements, which means that Housing Nova Scotia will pay the property owner the difference between the established rent and 30 per cent of the tenant’s monthly income in those units.

“We’re always working to help older Nova Scotians and others find safe and affordable homes,” said Eastern Shore MLA Kevin Murphy, on behalf of Kelly Regan, Minister responsible for Housing Nova Scotia. “These units will provide safe, affordable homes for many seniors, and contribute to a real, positive difference in their lives. These homes are a great addition to the Eastern Shore.”

Every new unit will support aging in place, which helps older Nova Scotians stay in their homes longer. All bathrooms will have raised toilets, wall-mounted grab bars, drawered storage, and low-threshold showers with seats and handheld showerheads. The lower kitchen cabinets will also provide roll out drawer storage. Four of the units will be fully barrier-free, while the remaining will be visitable. This means someone using a wheelchair will be able to visit those units, move around, and be able to use the washroom.

“Every Canadian should be able to retire in dignity. This is why we are taking action to support seniors including restoring the retirement age from 67 to 65, increasing guaranteed income supplement and old age security,” said MP for Sackville-Preston-Chezzetcook Darrell Samson, on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we have invested in this project in Porters Lake. These new 13 units are more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home.”

The investment in the construction of the new units is from the Affordable Housing Social Infrastructure Fund and the Affordable Housing New Rental Program, as well as a seed grant from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

All units are anticipated to be ready for occupancy this spring.

Supporting access to appropriate and affordable housing is one of the actions outlined in Shift: Nova Scotia’s Action Plan for an Aging Population, which focuses on supporting older adults and their contributions to our province.  For more information on Shift, visit novascotia.ca/shift

This investment also supports government’s efforts to remove and prevent barriers to accessibility with the aim of achieving an accessible Nova Scotia by 2030.

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Source : Media Release